Free basic health care to all Defence families

In 2014, then Assistant Minister for Defence, Stuart Robert MP, officially launched the Government’s National Australian Defence Force (ADF) Family Health Program.

Speaking at the launch at Brisbane’s Gallipoli Barracks, Mr Robert said he was delighted to be providing additional support to the families of ADF members.

"Today’s launch of the National ADF Family Health Program fulfils one of the Government’s key defence election commitments and acknowledges the service and sacrifice families of ADF members make to support our nation,” Mr Robert said.

"ADF members and their families face unique challenges, such as regular postings every two to three years, which means access to routine health care may be disrupted. This initiative will help ease the pressures on Defence families who fulfil the vital role of supporting their uniformed loved ones.”

Mr Robert was joined by the Federal Member for Brisbane, Teresa Gambaro MP, who also expressed her strong support for the national roll out of the program.

"I am delighted to be at Gallipoli Barracks today supporting this important Government initiative, which will provide 5,700 dependants of ADF members in and around the region of Brisbane with free basic medical services,” Ms Gambaro said.

Under the Government’s National Program every dependant of full time ADF members, and Reservists on Continuous Full Time Service, will be eligible no matter where they live in Australia.

Each eligible ADF dependant will be reimbursed for their out of pocket expenses when visiting their local general practitioner, and in addition may claim up to $400 per year for allied health services such as physiotherapy, dentistry and mental health support.

"The National ADF Family Health Program, which began operating this month, currently has some 22,000 ADF family members registered and I am determined to get the word out to all ADF members and their families about this terrific program,” Mr Robert said.

"ADF personnel are the most important military capability we have and looking after our personnel and their families is my number one priority. This initiative will provide practical support to the dependants of ADF members.”